Be Transformed

Reflection 

Last weekend, I attended an auction to benefit my school. This is a fancy and fun event and my typical wardrobe would not do! I found a new black dress, had my nails done, and wore my typically straight hair curly. My purchases and extra effort in getting spiffy for the night impacted my look, and even resulted in a few compliments! I looked different on the outside, but I was the same person on the inside. 

Application

In Romans 12:2, we are called to “be transformed and not to conform to the pattern of this world.” Working with young people over the years, I have seen firsthand the pull and ease of conforming from wearing silly slap bracelets to  chanting nonsensical “6-7” at every chance, to trends in hair length and the latest clothing styles, the students’ efforts to fit in lead to clone-like looks. But it doesn’t end there. The habits, language, and attitudes also rub off - positively or negatively. We have all seen it. 

But this passage in Romans wasn’t written to teenagers alone! It was written for all of us. Satan lures us to conform to the patterns of this world, where he prowls like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8). He uses many techniques, among them, excuse making, justifying poor decisions, lack of discipline, and laziness in our speech and habits to keep us tethered to this world that is not our home. This is why Paul is very clear about what we are not to do, what we are to do, how to do it, and the outcome of following the steps outlined in this powerful verse of scripture.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

What not to do: Do not conform to the pattern of this world.

What to do: Be transformed.

How to do it: By the renewing of your mind

The outcome: “Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing, and perfect will”

Closing/conclusion

There is nothing wrong with a new hair style or donning new clothes. What is wrong is thinking that this transforms us. We are only transformed when we seek to continually make our mind renewed through reading His word, the home of Truth. It is then that we are able to understand God’s will. It is then that the inside - our heart and minds - will be transformed, our actions, habits and attitudes follow. Renew your mind and be transformed.

Maryellen